How the water calculator works
- Your weight: 33 ml for each kilogram (about 0.5 fl oz per pound).
- Exercise: 350 ml (12 fl oz) for every 30 minutes.
- Heat: 500 ml more on hot or humid days. Pregnancy adds about 300 ml, breastfeeding about 700 ml.
Example
A person who weighs 70 kg and exercises for 30 minutes needs about 70 × 33 = 2,310 ml, plus 350 ml: 2.7 litres a day, or about 11 glasses.
Frequently asked questions
How much water should I drink a day?
A common guide is about 30 to 35 ml for each kilogram you weigh (about half an ounce per pound), plus more when you exercise or it's hot. That's total fluids: water, tea, coffee, milk and the water in food all count.
Does coffee count?
Yes. Coffee and tea are mostly water. The mild effect of caffeine on how much you pee doesn't cancel out what you drink, for people used to it.
How do I know if I'm drinking enough?
Pale yellow urine and rarely feeling thirsty are good signs. Dark yellow urine, headaches and tiredness can mean you need more.
Can I drink too much water?
It's rare, but drinking very large amounts quickly (several litres in an hour or two) can be dangerous. Spread your water through the day. People with heart or kidney conditions should follow their doctor's advice.